The State of New Mexico, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) Energy Conservation and Management Division (ECAM) is soliciting applications from eligible government entities for grid modernization projects. These projects aim to support New Mexico's transition to 100-percent zero-carbon electricity resources by improving electric distribution or transmission infrastructure to accommodate renewable energy integration, enhance grid reliability and security, improve demand response capability, and support customer service and energy efficiency initiatives.
Eligible applicants include municipalities and county governments, state agencies, state universities, public schools, post-secondary education institutions, and Indian nations, tribes, and pueblos. All projects must be located within New Mexico.
Three project types are eligible for funding: Type 1 projects are original research initiatives that advance understanding of grid function, reliability, resilience, security, and operation related to renewable and zero-carbon resource integration; Type 2 projects consist of pre-construction or design activities supporting grid modernization construction or installation; and Type 3 projects involve construction, installation, operation, and verification of grid modernization technology at a project site. ECAM may fund all three project types from a single entity.
Applications are accepted on a monthly rolling basis beginning November 1, 2025, until all available funds are allocated. A preproposal conference will be held on October 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. MDT via Microsoft Teams. All projects must be completable within two years of the fully executed contract date, with a final completion deadline of June 30, 2028. Multiple agreements may be awarded under this funding opportunity.